Customes and Traditions St Valentine's Day

Customes and Traditions

St Valentine's Day is neither a national holiday nor especially religious, despite the fact that it is named in honor of two early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Still, it is hard to imagine the American holiday calendar without the heartfelt expressions of love exchanged on that day between sweethearts, good friends, acquaintances, and even spouses of many years. Whatever the appropriate sentiment and regardless of reciprocation, people take the time and trouble (and card, flower, perfume, and candy merchants help them!) to send a message to those people in the focus of their attention. Robert Burns sang his beloved "My Luve is like a red, red rose, " and to this day red roses are appropriate for that one special love. However, yellow roses are also popular on that day as a sign of friendship, and forget-me-nots always make sense.